Monarda, commonly known as bergamot or bee balm, is a popular garden perennial celebrated for its vibrant, shaggy flowers and aromatic foliage. This plant is a native of North America and belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Companion planting involves strategically placing different plant species near each other to foster mutual benefits, creating a more resilient and productive garden ecosystem.
Why Companion Plant with Bergamot
Companion planting with bergamot offers several advantages for fostering a thriving garden environment. Bergamot attracts a wide array of beneficial insects, including various bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, due to its nectar-rich flowers. By interplanting with other species, this attraction can be amplified, encouraging better pollination for nearby fruits and vegetables.
Certain companion plants deter harmful pests, reducing the need for chemical interventions and protecting bergamot and its neighbors. Additionally, some companions improve soil health by fixing nitrogen or enhancing nutrient availability. Beyond these practical benefits, thoughtfully chosen plants enhance the garden’s visual appeal.
Ideal Companion Plants for Bergamot
Selecting appropriate companion plants can significantly enhance the health and vibrancy of your bergamot patch. Many plants contribute positively by attracting beneficial insects, deterring pests, or offering aesthetic and structural support.
Pollinator-attracting plants are excellent choices, as bergamot itself attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
- Echinacea (coneflower) attracts similar pollinators.
- Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) draws in diverse pollinating insects and thrives in similar conditions.
- Phlox, with its prolonged blooming season and varied colors, enhances the pollinator-friendly environment and adds fragrance.
- Shasta daisies, with their classic white petals, attract bees and butterflies and offer a crisp contrast to bergamot’s intense colors.
Some companions deter pests that might bother bergamot.
- Catnip’s strong scent helps repel various garden pests.
- Basil deters mosquitoes and other insects, while also attracting bees.
- Oregano, a member of the mint family, helps repel pests that can damage bergamot.
- Lavender’s essential oils deter certain insects, providing a natural protective barrier.
- Salvia (sage), with its aromatic leaves, also acts as a pest deterrent.
Beyond pest and pollinator benefits, certain plants offer aesthetic or soil-enhancing qualities. Yarrow provides textural contrast and attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs and predatory wasps. It also has soil-enhancing properties. Goldenrod, with its bright yellow flowers, creates visual contrast and extends pollinator attraction into late summer and fall. Its deep root system helps stabilize and improve soil structure.
Plants to Avoid Near Bergamot
While many plants make excellent companions, some should be kept away from bergamot to ensure its health and vigor. Members of the mint family, such as peppermint and spearmint, should be avoided. Both bergamot and other mints are aggressive spreaders and will compete heavily for sun, water, and space. They also share similar pest and disease vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of widespread issues like powdery mildew.
Heavy-feeding plants, which require substantial nutrients, can deplete resources needed by bergamot. These include common garden vegetables such as corn, cucumbers, melons, peppers, squash, sunflowers, tomatoes, and zucchini. Additionally, plants prone to powdery mildew, like garden phlox, zinnias, or certain squash varieties, should not be planted too close to bergamot, as this fungal issue can easily spread and stress the plant.
Designing a Bergamot Companion Garden
Thoughtful design is crucial for maximizing the benefits of companion planting with bergamot. Bergamot thrives in full sun, generally at least six hours daily, though it can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates. Ensure its companions also prefer similar light conditions to avoid competition. Well-drained soil is essential for bergamot, and it benefits from soil rich in organic matter. Amending the soil with compost can improve drainage and fertility, benefiting both bergamot and its neighbors.
Proper spacing is important to ensure good air circulation around bergamot plants, which helps prevent powdery mildew. Space bergamot plants approximately 18 to 24 inches apart, and consider the mature size of companion plants to prevent overcrowding. Planning for continuous blooms across different plant species can ensure a steady supply of nectar for pollinators throughout the growing season. This approach also maintains visual interest and supports a diverse garden ecosystem.